Devices, Systems, and Methods for Monitoring Posture via Wearable Articles with Flexible Circuits

The present application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/US2024/033555, filed 12 Jun. 2024, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/507,484, filed 12 Jun. 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. All applications referenced herein are relevant to the subject matter disclosed herein and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, regardless of the specific portion of the specification in which they are referenced.

The present disclosure is generally related to flexible circuits and, more particularly, is directed to flexible circuits that can be either integrated into wearable articles for the purposes of characterizing physical motions of a user of a wearable article.

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the aspects disclosed herein and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, and abstract as a whole.

In various aspects, a system configured to monitor a posture of a user is disclosed. The system can include a wearable article including a first flexible circuit, wherein the first flexible circuit includes a first trace including a deformable conductor; and a computing device communicably coupled to the wearable article, wherein the computing device includes a processor and a memory configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a first signal from the first flexible circuit, wherein the first signal is corresponds to a physical deformation of the first trace; determine a first electrical parameter based on the first signal; determine the posture of the user based on the determined electrical parameter; compare the determined posture of the user to a baseline for the user's posture; and cause a display communicably coupled to the computing device to present a visual representation of the comparison.

In various aspects, a wearable article configured to monitor a posture of a user is disclosed. The wearable article can include a first flexible circuit, wherein the first flexible circuit includes a first trace including a deformable conductor, and wherein the wearable article is configured to be communicably coupled to a computing device, wherein the computing device includes a processor and a memory configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a first signal from the first flexible circuit, wherein the first signal is corresponds to a physical deformation of the first trace, determine a first electrical parameter based on the first signal, determine the posture of the user based on the determined electrical parameter, compare the determined posture of the user to a baseline for the user's posture, and cause a display communicably coupled to the computing device to present a visual representation of the comparison.

In various aspects, a computer-implemented method of monitoring a posture of a user via a wearable article is disclosed. The wearable article can include a first flexible circuit, wherein the first flexible circuit includes a first trace including a deformable conductor. The method can include receiving, via a processor, a first signal from the first flexible circuit, wherein the first signal is corresponds to a physical deformation of the first trace, determining, via the processor, a first electrical parameter based on the first signal, determining, via the processor, a posture of the user based on the determined electrical parameter, comparing, via the processor, the determined posture of the user to a baseline for the user's posture, and causing, via the processor, a display communicably coupled to the processor to present a visual representation of the comparison.

These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various aspects of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the aspects as described in the disclosure and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the aspects described in the specification. The reader will understand that the aspects described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Furthermore, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

As used herein, the term “posture” shall refer to the position in which someone holds their body or a particular body part. For example, according to some non-limiting aspects described herein, posture can refer to the position in which a person's spine is maintained while sitting or standing. However, according to other non-limiting aspects, posture can refer to separate body parts, such as a person's head, shoulders, and/or hips. Moreover, according to other non-limiting aspects, the term posture can include a relative position of a person's body parts. For example, the term posture can refer to the relative position of a person's spine, head, shoulder, and/or hips. It shall be further appreciated that the term posture, as used herein, can refer to a dynamic posture—the position of one or more body parts during movement (e.g., walking, running, etc.)—and/or a static posture—the position of one or more body parts when are still (e.g., during sleep, while sitting, lying down, standing, etc.).

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves any and all copyrights disclosed herein.

Although flexible and deformable electronic circuits have emerged as a means of innovating conventional electronics, such circuits are generally limited by flexion and fatigue. Thus, conventional circuits are not suitable for daily use applications where they will undergo repeated flexions. For example, conventional circuits would not be suitable in situations where a patient's motions should be monitored frequently, such as during a rehabilitation, and/or training. This includes the use of a flexible circuit to detect and classify a user's posture, which can enable correction and a reduction of the negative consequences of poor posture on the user's health. Moreover, as most conventional posture monitoring devices are rigid and configured to be adhered to the user's back, they are generally uncomfortable. Accordingly, there is a need for devices, systems, and methods for monitoring posture via wearable articles with flexible circuits. It shall be appreciated that, when made with the deformable conductors disclosed herein, a change in circuit geometry could lead to a subsequent change in electrical parameters generated across such flexible circuits. The varying electrical parameters generated by the flexible circuits disclosed herein could be used to characterize a structural parameter or condition of the circuit and thus, the posture of a user, as desired.

While certain electronic components typically have some inherent flexibility, that flexibility is typically constrained both in the amount the components can flex, their resilience in flexing, and the number of times the electronic components can flex before the electronic components deteriorate or break. Consequently, the utility of such electronic components in various environments may be limited, either by reliability or longevity or by the ability to function at all. Moreover, the lateral size of such components may result in additional stresses placed on the component.

The use of conductive gel, however, provides for electronic components that are flexible and deformable while maintaining resiliency. Moreover, in some embodiments the operational flexing, stretching, deforming, or other physical manipulation of a conductive trace formed from conductive gel may produce predictable, measurable changes in the electrical characteristics of the trace. By measuring the change in resistance or impedance of such a trace the change in length of the trace may be inferred. By combining the changes in lengths of multiple traces, the relative movement of points on a two-dimensional surface may be calculated.

A two-dimensional strain sensor has been developed that utilizes a network of conductive gel traces, the individual electrical characteristics of which translates to a relative length or other orientation of the trace. By combining the electrical characteristics, e.g., by triangulating or other mathematical process, the relative location of various points on a two-dimensional surface may be determined. By measuring such electrical characteristics repeatedly over time, the motion of the points may be determined, providing for the capacity for real-time motion capture of the points on the strain sensor. By scaling the network of traces and/or increasing the number of strain sensor and placing the strain sensors on an object, motion capture the object may be obtained in real-time.

1 FIG. 100 102 100 102 104 104 104 104 104 104 106 104 104 104 104 108 108 110 110 108 108 110 110 a b c d a d a b c d a b a b a b a b Referring now to, a view of a strain sensor systemincluding a two-dimensional strain sensoris depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. As an example, the strain sensor systemcan be configured similar to those disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/263,112, titled TWO DIMENSIONAL MOTION CAPTURE STRAIN GAUGE SENSOR, filed Oct. 10, 2021, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The strain sensorincludes four traces,,,. Each trace-is made of conductive gel, as disclosed in detail herein. The conductive gel is positioned on and encapsulated by a medium. Each trace,,,extends between and electrically couples one of two reference point,to an anchor point,. In the illustrated example, reference points,are not directly connected to one another and the anchor points anchor point,are not directly connected to one another.

106 102 106 106 106 The mediumspecifically and the strain sensorgenerally may be formed according to the techniques described herein or according to any other mechanism that exists or may be developed, including but not limited to injection molding, 3D printing, thermoforming, laser etching, die-cutting, and the like. The mediummay be formed of one of: a B-stage resin film, a C-stage resin film, an adhesive, a thermoset epoxy-based film, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and/or silicone, among other suitable compounds or material. In an example, the mediumhas tensile elongation of 550%; tensile modulus of 5.0 megapascals; recovery rate of 95%; thickness of 100 micrometers; a peel strength at 90 degrees of at least 1.0 kilonewtons per meter; a dielectric constant of 2.3 at 10 gigahertz; a dielectric dissipation factor of 0.0030 at 10 gigahertz; a breakdown voltage of 7.0 kilovolts at a thickness of 80 micrometers; a heat resistance that produces no change in an environment of 260 degrees Celsius for 10 cycles in a nitrogen atmosphere; and chemical resistance producing no change to the mediumafter 24 hours immersion in any of NaOH, Na2CO3, or copper etchant.

106 Details of an example mediumare disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0381349, “CONTINUOUS INTERCONNECTS BETWEEN HETEROGENEOUS MATERIALS”, Ronay et al., which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

102 108 108 104 104 104 104 102 106 108 108 110 110 108 108 104 104 104 104 108 104 104 110 110 a b a b c d a b a b a b a b c d a a b a b. The strain sensoris configured to identify changes in the relative positions of the reference points,based on a change in impedance/resistance of one or more of the traces,,,. In particular, the strain sensoris configured to determine the relative position according to the Cartesian system (x,y) on a plane defined by the mediumof a given reference point,in relation to the two anchor points,to which the reference point,is coupled via an associated trace,,,. Thus, for instance, the relative position of the reference pointmay be determined by one or, inferentially, both of: determining the length at any given time of the traceand the traceand/or by determining the relative position (x,y) of the anchor points,

104 104 104 104 104 104 108 108 110 110 104 104 104 104 100 112 114 112 112 112 114 114 114 102 114 a b a b c d a b a b a b c d The length of the traces,may be determined as a function of resistance and/or impedance of the given trace,,,as measured between the reference point,and the anchor point,that is coupled by the trace,,,. In the illustrated example, the strain sensor systemincludes an electronic parameter sensoroperatively coupled to a processor. The electronic parameter sensormay be any device that is configured to detect or otherwise measure an electronic property, such as resistance, capacitance, inductance, etc. As such, in various examples, the electronic parameter sensormay be an ohm meter or a resistance signal reader. Further, the electronic parameter sensorand the processormay be separate components or integrated together. In such an example, the processormay be part of a chipset or package that incorporates resistance signal reading and recording capabilities. In still yet other examples, an analog to digital signal processor may be utilized to convert an analog resistance signal to a digital signal, which may be received by the processor. In examples where a remote processor is configured to receive signals from the strain sensor, a wireless communication component integrated to the sensor may be configured to provide signals to the processor.

100 112 114 112 114 100 112 114 102 102 114 112 102 102 112 114 While the strain sensor systemas illustrated includes the electronic parameter sensorand the processor, it is to be recognized and understood that one or both of the electronic parameter sensorand the processormay be remote to the rest of the strain sensor systemand/or cloud computing assets, etc. Moreover, in various examples the electronic parameter sensorand/or the processormay be integrated into the strain sensoritself or may be components to which the strain sensoris operatively coupled, as illustrated. In examples where the processorand/or the electronic parameter sensorare remote to the strain sensor, a wireless communication module may be incorporated into the strain sensorto provide data to the electronic parameter sensorand/or processor.

114 104 104 104 104 108 108 110 110 114 106 108 108 110 110 104 104 108 114 a b c d a b a b a a a b a b a In various examples, the processordoes not require a calibrated or predetermined relationship of impedance of a given trace,,,to determine the relative position of a reference point,and/or a relative position of an anchor point,. In such an example, the processormay determine the relative location (x,y) on the mediumof the reference pointby determining location of the reference pointrelative to the determined location (x,y) of each of the anchor points,to which the traces,are coupled. In such an example, the location variables x and y of the reference pointmay be determined by the processoraccording to the following equations:

104 104 112 114 108 104 104 108 108 100 108 108 108 108 a b b c d a b a b a b. In the above equations, r is the impedance for a given trace,as measured by the electronic parameter sensorand provided to the processor. By applying the same equations in the same manner for the reference point, but for the traces,, the position of each of the reference points,may be determined. By performing the calculations a relatively high frequency, e.g., at least once per second, or at least fifteen (15) times per second, or at least twenty-four times per second, etc., the strain sensor systemmay obtain a real-time determination of the relative positions of the reference points,and, therefore, the amount and rate of movement of the reference points,

100 104 104 104 104 112 112 a b c d While the strain sensor systemis described with respect the measurement of resistance or impedance, it is to be recognized and understood that any electrical measurement may be applied on a similar basis. Thus, for instance, the traces,,,may have or may be configured to have an inductance, a capacitance, or other measureable electronic property that may be changed based on a deformation of the trace. Consequently, while an electronic parameter sensoris described and illustrated, it is to be recognized and understood that any electronic meter configured to sense and measure the relevant electronic property may be utilized in addition to or instead of the electronic parameter sensorin a manner consistent with this disclosure.

2 FIGS.A-E 2 FIG.A 2 2 FIGS.B andD 2 2 FIGS.C andE 1 FIG. 2 FIG.B 2 FIG.D 2 FIGS.A-E 102 202 204 212 210 218 104 104 204 102 104 104 212 102 104 102 202 204 210 212 218 58000 58238 a b c d a d As will be described in further detail with reference to, the strain sensorcan include a multi-layered construction, consisting of a substrate layer(), at least one patterned layer,(), and at least one encapsulation layer,(). For example, according to the non-limiting aspect of, two of the traces,can be deposited on a first patterned layer() of the strain sensor, and two of the traces,can be deposited on a second patterned layer() of the strain sensor. Two or more of the traces-, for example, can be electrically coupled through various layers of the strain sensorby vias. One or more of the layers,,,,() can include a stretchable epoxy-based material, such as a Lubrizol Estaneseries (e.g.,), amongst others. Other examples of materials with adhesive properties include some thermally activated adhesives like polyurethane (PU) adhesives (e.g., from Bemis or Framis), thermoset adhesives with different chemistry such as some silicones, acrylics or others, and any pressure sensitive adhesive of any chemistry, etc.

202 204 210 212 218 202 204 210 212 218 102 104 102 210 218 202 204 210 212 218 2 FIGS.A-E 2 FIGS.A-E 1 FIG. 2 FIG.A 2 FIGS.A-E a d It shall be appreciated that such stretchable epoxy-based materials may provide a self-adhesive surface conducive to bonding electronic components to each layer,,,,(), and for bonding the various layers,,,,() of the strain sensorto one another. Such stretchable epoxy-based materials may be transparent, which explains why the traces-of the strain sensorofcan be seen through the encapsulation layers,(). However, according to other non-limiting aspects, one or more layers,,,,() may be opaque or semi-transparent.

102 204 212 104 202 210 104 204 202 2 2 FIGS.B andD 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.C 2 FIG.B 2 FIG.A a d a d According to other non-limiting aspects, the strain sensorcan employ a two-layer construction techniques, similar to those disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/070853, titled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING CIRCUIT ASSEMBLIES HAVING PATTERNS OF DEFORMABLE CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL FORMED THEREIN, filed Feb. 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, at least one of the patterned layers,() can be omitted from the assembly and the deformable conductor that defines the traces-can be deposited directly onto a substrate layer() and/or the encapsulation layer, such as encapsulation layer(). Of course, according to other non-limiting aspects, the all of the traces-can be deposited on a single patterned layer() or the substrate layer(), itself.

2 2 FIGS.A-E 2 2 FIGS.A-E 1 FIG. 106 102 102 106 106 102 102 102 102 102 are depictions of individual layers of the mediumof the strain sensor, in an example embodiment. In the example of, the strain sensoris a laminate structure in that individual layers of the mediumare separately formed, stacked, and unitized together to create the mediumas a whole. The layers may be formed according to iterative stencil-in-place processes described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0066628, titled “STRUCTURES WITH DEFORMABLE CONDUCTORS,” filed Aug. 22, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, as noted above, the formation of the strain sensoras a laminate structure is merely an example of a strain sensorconstruction and not limitation. Accordingly, it shall be appreciated that any suitable technique for making the strain sensormay be applied instead of or in addition to the process of making the strain sensoras a laminate structure. The depictions of the layers are looking along a major axis of the strain sensorand are thus either a top or bottom view of the layer relative to the perspective of.

2 FIG.A 202 202 106 104 104 a b is substrate layer. The substrate layeris formed of the material of the mediumand eventually has traces,placed thereon but is otherwise featureless and may, in various examples, provide insulation for and/or containment of the conductive gel.

2 FIG.B 204 204 106 104 104 106 206 208 104 104 104 104 102 206 208 a b a b a b is a first patterned layer. The first patterned layeris formed of the material of the mediumand includes the traces,, e.g., formed as channels that contain conductive gel formed in the medium. Additionally, a first reference viaand first anchor viasare operatively coupled to the respective traces,and provide electrical access to the traces,through various layers of the strain sensor. The vias,may be formed from conductive gel or any suitable conductor.

2 FIG.C 210 210 106 206 208 210 is an insulation layer. The insulation layeris formed of the material of the mediumand includes the first reference viaand the first anchor vias, which extend through the insulation layer.

2 FIG.D 212 212 106 104 104 106 206 208 212 214 216 104 104 c d c d. is a second patterned layer. The second patterned layeris formed of the material of the mediumand includes the traces,, e.g., formed as channels that contain conductive gel formed in the medium. The first reference viaand the first anchor viasextend through the second patterned layer, and a second reference viaand second anchor vias second anchor viaare operatively coupled to traces,

2 FIG.E 1 FIG. 218 218 106 206 208 214 216 106 102 112 is an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layeris formed of the material of the mediumand includes the first reference via, the first anchor vias, the second reference via, and the second anchor vias, all of which are exposed beyond the mediumto enable the strain sensorto be operatively coupled to the electronic parameter sensor, as shown in.

The various layers are presented for illustration and not limitation and it is to be recognized and understood that any of a variety of additional or alternative layers may be incorporated into the laminate structure as desired. The laminate structure may incorporate at least one substrate layer onto which conductive gel is positioned, at least one patterned layer that forms at least one trace, and at least one encapsulation layer that seals the trace or other component of the laminate structure. The laminate structure may further include: a stencil layer, e.g., for when a stencil-in-place manufacturing process is utilized; a conductive layer for, e.g., a relatively high-powered bus, sensor, ground plane, shielding, etc.; an insulation layer, e.g., between a substrate layer, a conductive layer, a stencil layer, and/or an encapsulation layer, that primarily insulates traces or conductive layers from one another; an electronic component not necessarily formed according to the processes disclosed herein, e.g., a surface mount capacitor, resistor, processor, etc.; vias for connectivity between layers; and contact pads.

The collection of layers of the laminate structure may be referred to as a “stack”. A final or intermediate structure may include at least one stack (or multiple stacks, e.g., using modular construction techniques) that has been unitized. Additionally or alternatively, the structure could comprise one or more unitized stacks with at least one electronic component. A laminate assembly may comprise multiple laminate structures, e.g., in a modular construction. The assembly may utilize island architecture including a first laminate structure (the “island”), which may typically but not exclusively be itself a laminate structure populated with electric components, or a laminate structure that is, e.g., a discrete sensor, with the first laminate structure adhered to a second laminate structure including, e.g., traces and vias configured like a traditional printed circuit board (“PCB”), e.g., acting as the pathways for signals, currents or potentials to travel between the island(s) and other auxiliary structures, e.g., sensors.

3 3 FIGS.A andB 3 3 FIGS.A andB 102 102 102 102 102 102 102 104 104 104 104 102 a b c d are abstract depictions of the traces of the strain sensorin a relaxed and deformed configuration, respectively. The strain sensoris considered to be in the relaxed configuration when an outside force is not acting on the strain sensorsuch that the strain sensordeforms through stretching, flexing, etc. The strain sensoris considered to be in the deformed configuration when an outside for is acting on the strain sensorsuch that the strain sensordeforms through stretching, flexing, etc., and, as a result, one or more of the traces,,,lengthen or contract relative to their length in the relaxed configuration. It is noted thatare described in a two-dimensional plane, but it is to be recognized and understood that the principles described with respect to two dimensions apply as well to three dimensional strain placed on the strain sensor.

104 104 104 104 114 108 108 a d b c a b In the illustrated example, in the relaxed configuration the traces,are of substantially equal length, e.g., within five (5) percent, and, as a result, of approximately equal resistance or impedance. Similarly, the traces,are similarly of substantially equal length and, as a result, of approximately equal distance. In such a circumstance, the processorwould determine that the relative (x, y) location of the reference points,are in their relaxed state.

108 108 104 104 114 102 108 104 104 104 104 104 104 114 102 108 a b c d b a b a b a b a. In the deformed configuration, an outside force causes the reference pointto move relative to the reference point. In the illustrated example, the length, and consequently, resistance of the traces,have not substantially changed, resulting in the processorbeing configured to determine that, at least on a relative basis, strain has not been placed on the strain sensorproximate the reference point. However, the length, and consequently, the resistance of the traces,have changed, in the case of traceto shorten and in the case of traceto lengthen relative to the length of those traces,in the relaxed state. Consequently, the processorwould be configured to determine that a strain has been placed on the strain sensorproximate the reference point

102 102 104 104 104 104 104 104 104 104 102 102 102 a b c d a b c d Strain placed on the strain sensorat different locations would result in different deformation of the strain sensorand, consequently, different lengthening or shortening of the traces,,,than illustrated here. Moreover, while the length of two traces is shown as being constant, any or all of the traces,,,may change length and, consequently, measured resistance. Moreover, the strain sensormay be sensitive to multiple forces placed on the strain sensorto the extent that those different forces manifest at different locations on the strain sensor.

4 FIG. 402 102 402 404 404 404 404 404 404 404 404 406 404 404 a b c d c d a b a a c is an abstract depiction of a strain sensor, in an example embodiment. In contrast to the strain sensor, the strain sensorincludes four reference points,,,. In such an example, the reference points,may function as de facto anchor points in relation to the reference points,. Consequently, the resistance over the tracemay be measured from reference pointto reference point, and so forth.

404 404 404 404 406 406 404 404 404 404 404 406 406 404 406 406 112 114 a b c d a b c d a a b c e f The relative position of each reference point,,,are each determined by two of the traces. For the sake of clarity, the tracesassociated with each reference point,,,are denoted by a particular dashed line. Thus, the relative position (x,y) of the reference pointis determined based on the resistance of the traces,, the relative position of the reference pointis based on the resistance of the traces,, and so forth. The principles disclosed herein are readily expandable to any number of reference points over any given area. The number of inputs on the electronic parameter sensoror ohm meters may be expanded proportionally along with the processing resources of the processor.

404 114 404 114 404 Moreover, it is to be recognized and understood that number of traces associated with a given reference point may expand based on the available traces. In various examples, the relative position of a reference point may be determined based on three or more traces rather than only two, with the equations described above expanded to incorporate the additional traces. However, in further examples the additional traces beyond two for each reference pointmay be treated as redundant traces. Thus, the processormay only utilize two traces to determine the relative position of a given reference point, but if a trace to a reference pointbreaks then the processormay utilize a different, unbroken trace to determine the relative position of the reference point.

404 114 The inclusion of multiple reference pointsin a strain sensor and/or multiple strain sensor may provide for the creation of a real-time three dimensional model of a larger object. Thus, for instance, a wearable article may have traces extending throughout the wearable article, with the traces coupled to many reference points distributed throughout the wearable article. By regularly determining the relative position of each reference point, the processormay readily create a three-dimensional model of the wearable article based on the change in relative position of each reference point to neighboring reference points.

Adaptation of the strain sensors disclosed herein to various use cases may result in the length of traces being optimized for the conditions of the wearable article or other article to which the strain sensor is attached. Thus, for instance, some traces may be relatively longer and the reference points spaced apart in certain locations that would not be expected to have strain placed thereon, while other traces may be relatively shorter and reference points spaced closer together in locations that may be expected to have strain placed thereon, e.g., at an elbow of a sleeve.

The electrically conductive compositions, such as conductive gels, comprised in the articles described herein can, for example, have a paste like or gel consistency that can be created by taking advantage of, among other things, the structure that gallium oxide can impart on the compositions when gallium oxide is mixed into a eutectic gallium alloy. When mixed into a eutectic gallium alloy, gallium oxide can form micro or nanostructures that are further described herein, which structures are capable of altering the bulk material properties of the eutectic gallium alloy.

As used herein, the term “eutectic” generally refers to a mixture of two or more phases of a composition that has the lowest melting point, and where the phases simultaneously crystallize from molten solution at this temperature. The ratio of phases to obtain a eutectic is identified by the eutectic point on a phase diagram. One of the features of eutectic alloys is their sharp melting point.

102 202 50 504 506 2 2 FIGS.A-E 2 FIG.A According to some non-limiting aspects, the strain sensorofcan be formed using any of the methods described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/070853, titled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING CIRCUIT ASSEMBLIES HAVING PATTERNS OF DEFORMABLE CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL FORMED THEREIN, and filed Feb. 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, according to some non-limiting aspects, the stencil layer can be omitted, as traces made from deformable conductors can be deposited directly on a substrate layer, as described in reference to, and subsequently encapsulated without including a stencil layer in the final layup assembly. For example, the properties of the deformable conductive material and/or the properties of the layers surrounding the patterns of the deformable conductive material may be adjusted and/or optimized to ensure that the patterns of deformable conductive material heal upon unitization of the surrounding layers. For example, the deformable conductive material may be optimized to have a viscosity such that the deformable conductive material is able to heal upon unitization of the layers but not such that the deformable conductive material overly deforms and does not achieve the intended pattern. As another example, adhesive characteristics and/or viscosity of the deformable conductive material may be optimized such that it remains on the substrate layer upon removal of the removable stenciland but does not adhere to the channels,of the stencil thereby lifting the deformable conductive material off of the substrate layer. In some aspects, a viscosity of the deformable conductive material may, when under high shear (e.g., in motion), be in a range of about 10 Pascal seconds (Pa*s) and 500 Pa*s, such as a range of 50 Pas and 300 Pa*s, and/or may be about 50 Pa*s, about 60 Pa*s, about 70 Pa*s, about 80 Pa*s, about 90 Pa*s, about 100 Pa*s, about 110 Pa*s, about 120 Pa*s, about 130 Pa*s, about 140 Pa*s, about 150 Pa*s, about 160 Pa*s, about 170 Pa*s, about 180 Pa*s, about 190 Pa*s, or about 200 Pa*s. In some aspects, a viscosity of the deformable conductive material may, when under low shear (e.g., at rest), be in a range of 1,000,000 Pa*s and 40,000,000 Pa*s and/or may be about 10,000,000 Pa*s, about 20,000,000 Pa*s, about 30,000,000 Pa*s, or about 40,000,000 Pa*s.

5 5 The electrically conductive compositions described herein can have any suitable conductivity, such as a conductivity of from about 2×10S/m to about 8×10S/m.

The electrically conductive compositions described herein can have ay suitable melting point, such as a melting point of from about −20° C. to about 10° C., about −10° C. to about 5° C., about −5° C. to about 5° C. or about −5° C. to about 0° C.

The electrically conductive compositions can comprise a mixture of a eutectic gallium alloy and gallium oxide, wherein the mixture of eutectic gallium alloy and gallium oxide has a weight percentage (wt %) of between about 59.9% and about 99.9% eutectic gallium alloy, such as between about 67% and about 90%, and a wt % of between about 0.1% and about 2.0% gallium oxide such as between about 0.2 and about 1%. For example, the electrically conductive compositions can have about 60%, about 61%, about 62%, about 63%, about 64%, about 65%, about 66%, about 67%, about 68%, about 69%, about 70%, about 71%, about 72%, about 73%, about 74%, about 75%, about 76%, about 77%, about 78%, about 79%, about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or greater, such as about 99.9% eutectic gallium alloy, and about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, and about 2.0% gallium oxide.

The eutectic gallium alloy can include gallium-indium or gallium-indium-tin in any ratio of elements. For example, a eutectic gallium alloy includes gallium and indium. The electrically conductive compositions can have any suitable percentage of gallium by weight in the gallium-indium alloy that is between about 40% and about 95%, such as about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about 43%, about 44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about 52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58%, about 59%, about 60%, about 61%, about 62%, about 63%, about 64%, about 65%, about 66%, about 67%, about 68%, about 69%, about 70%, about 71%, about 72%, about 73%, about 74%, about 75%, about 76%, about 77%, about 78%, about 79%, about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, or about 95%.

The electrically conductive compositions can have a percentage of indium by weight in the gallium-indium alloy that is between about 5% and about 60%, such as about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about 43%, about 44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about 52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58%, about 59%, or about 60%.

The eutectic gallium alloy can include gallium and tin. For example, the electrically conductive compositions can have a percentage of tin by weight in the alloy that is between about 0.001% and about 50%, such as about 0.001%, about 0.005%, about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about 43%, about 44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, or about 50%.

The electrically conductive compositions can comprise one or more micro-particles or sub-micron scale particles blended with the eutectic gallium alloy and gallium oxide. The particles can be suspended, either coated in eutectic gallium alloy or gallium and encapsulated in gallium oxide or not coated in the previous manner, within eutectic gallium alloy. The micro- or sub-micron scale particles can range in size from nanometer to micrometer and can be suspended in gallium, gallium-indium alloy, or gallium-indium-tin alloy. Particle to alloy ratio can vary and can change the flow properties of the electrically conductive compositions. The micro and nanostructures can be blended within the electrically conductive compositions through sonication or other suitable means. The electrically conductive compositions can include a colloidal suspension of micro and nanostructures within the eutectic gallium alloy/gallium oxide mixture.

The electrically conductive compositions can further include one or more micro-particles or sub-micron scale particles dispersed within the compositions. This can be achieved in any suitable way, including by suspending particles, either coated in eutectic gallium alloy or gallium and encapsulated in gallium oxide or not coated in the previous manner, within the electrically conductive compositions or, specifically, within the eutectic gallium alloy fluid. These particles can range in size from nanometer to micrometer and can be suspended in gallium, gallium-indium alloy, or gallium-indium-tin alloy. Particle to alloy ratio can vary, in order to, among other things, change fluid properties of at least one of the alloys and the electrically conductive compositions. In addition, the addition of any ancillary material to colloidal suspension or eutectic gallium alloy in order to, among other things, enhance or modify its physical, electrical or thermal properties. The distribution of micro and nanostructures within the at least one of the eutectic gallium alloy and the electrically conductive compositions can be achieved through any suitable means, including sonication or other mechanical means without the addition of particles. In certain embodiments, the one or more micro-particles or sub-micron particles are blended with the at least one of the eutectic gallium alloy and the electrically conductive compositions with wt % of between about 0.001% and about 40.0% of micro-particles, for example about 0.001%, about 0.005%, about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, or about 40.

The one or more micro- or sub-micron particles can be made of any suitable material including soda glass, silica, borosilicate glass, quartz, oxidized copper, silver coated copper, non-oxidized copper, tungsten, super saturated tin granules, glass, graphite, silver coated copper, such as silver coated copper spheres, and silver coated copper flakes, copper flakes, or copper spheres, or a combination thereof, or any other material that can be wetted by the at least one of the eutectic gallium alloy and the electrically conductive compositions. The one or more micro-particles or sub-micron scale particles can have any suitable shape, including the shape of spheroids, rods, tubes, a flakes, plates, cubes, prismatic, pyramidal, cages, and dendrimers. The one or more micro-particles or sub-micron scale particles can have any suitable size, including a size range of about 0.5 microns to about 60 microns, as about 0.5 microns, about 0.6 microns, about 0.7 microns, about 0.8 microns, about 0.9 microns, about 1 microns, about 1.5 microns, about 2 microns, about 3 microns, about 4 microns, about 5 microns, about 6 microns, about 7 microns, about 8 microns, about 9 microns, about 10 microns, about 11 microns, about 12 microns, about 13 microns, about 14 microns, about 15 microns, about 16 microns, about 17 microns, about 18 microns, about 19 microns, about 20 microns, about 21 microns, about 22 microns, about 23 microns, about 24 microns, about 25 microns, about 26 microns, about 27 microns, about 28 microns, about 29 microns, about 30 microns, about 31 microns, about 32 microns, about 33 microns, about 34 microns, about 35 microns, about 36 microns, about 37 microns, about 38 microns, about 39 microns, about 40 microns, about 41 microns, about 42 microns, about 43 microns, about 44 microns, about 45 microns, about 46 microns, about 47 microns, about 48 microns, about 49 microns, about 50 microns, about 51 microns, about 52 microns, about 53 microns, about 54 microns, about 55 microns, about 56 microns, about 57 microns, about 58 microns, about 59 microns, or about 60 microns.

The electrically conductive compositions described herein can be made by any suitable method, including a method comprising blending surface oxides formed on a surface of a eutectic gallium alloy into the bulk of the eutectic gallium alloy by shear mixing of the surface oxide/alloy interface. Shear mixing of such compositions can induce a cross linked microstructure in the surface oxides; thereby forming a conducting shear thinning gel composition. A colloidal suspension of micro-structures can be formed within the eutectic gallium alloy/gallium oxide mixture, for example as, gallium oxide particles and/or sheets.

The surface oxides can be blended in any suitable ratio, such as at a ratio of between about 59.9% (by weight) and about 99.9% eutectic gallium alloy, to about 0.1% (by weight) and about 2.0% gallium oxide. For example percentage by weight of gallium alloy blended with gallium oxide is about 60%, 61%, about 62%, about 63%, about 64%, about 65%, about 66%, about 67%, about 68%, about 69%, about 70%, about 71%, about 72%, about 73%, about 74%, about 75%, about 76%, about 77%, about 78%, about 79%, about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or greater, such as about 99.9% eutectic gallium alloy while the weight percentage of gallium oxide is about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, and about 2.0% gallium oxide. In embodiments, the eutectic gallium alloy can include gallium-indium or gallium-indium-tin in any ratio of the recited elements. For example, a eutectic gallium alloy can include gallium and indium.

The weight percentage of gallium in the gallium-indium alloy can be between about 40% and about 95%, such as about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about 43%, about 44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about 52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58%, about 59%, about 60%, about 61%, about 62%, about 63%, about 64%, about 65%, about 66%, about 67%, about 68%, about 69%, about 70%, about 71%, about 72%, about 73%, about 74%, about 75%, about 76%, about 77%, about 78%, about 79%, about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, or about 95%.

Alternatively or in addition, the weight percentage of indium in the gallium-indium alloy can be between about 5% and about 60%, such as about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about 43%, about 44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about 52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58%, about 59%, or about 60%.

A eutectic gallium alloy can include gallium, indium, and tin. The weight percentage of tin in the gallium-indium-tin alloy can be between about 0.001% and about 50%, such as about 0.001%, about 0.005%, about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 1.4%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about 43%, about 44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, or about 50%.

The weight percentage of gallium in the gallium-indium-tin alloy can be between about 40% and about 95%, such as about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about 43%, about 44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about 52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58%, about 59%, about 60%, about 61%, about 62%, about 63%, about 64%, about 65%, about 66%, about 67%, about 68%, about 69%, about 70%, about 71%, about 72%, about 73%, about 74%, about 75%, about 76%, about 77%, about 78%, about 79%, about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, or about 95%.

Alternatively or in addition, the weight percentage of indium in the gallium-indium-tin alloy can be between about 5% and about 60%, such as about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about 43%, about 44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about 52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58%, about 59%, or about 60%.

One or more micro-particles or sub-micron scale particles can be blended with the eutectic gallium alloy and gallium oxide. For example, the one or more micro-particles or sub-micron particles can be blended with the mixture with wt % of between about 0.001% and about 40.0% of micro-particles in the composition, for example about 0.001%, about 0.005%, about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, or about 40. In embodiments the particles can be soda glass, silica, borosilicate glass, quartz, oxidized copper, silver coated copper, non-oxidized copper, tungsten, super saturated tin granules, glass, graphite, silver coated copper, such as silver coated copper spheres, and silver coated copper flakes, copper flakes or copper spheres or a combination thereof, or any other material that can be wetted by gallium. In some embodiments the one or more micro-particles or sub-micron scale particles are in the shape of spheroids, rods, tubes, a flakes, plates, cubes, prismatic, pyramidal, cages, and dendrimers. In certain embodiments, the one or more micro-particles or sub-micron scale particles are in the size range of about 0.5 microns to about 60 microns, as about 0.5 microns, about 0.6 microns, about 0.7 microns, about 0.8 microns, about 0.9 microns, about 1 microns, about 1.5 microns, about 2 microns, about 3 microns, about 4 microns, about 5 microns, about 6 microns, about 7 microns, about 8 microns, about 9 microns, about 10 microns, about 11 microns, about 12 microns, about 13 microns, about 14 microns, about 15 microns, about 16 microns, about 17 microns, about 18 microns, about 19 microns, about 20 microns, about 21 microns, about 22 microns, about 23 microns, about 24 microns, about 25 microns, about 26 microns, about 27 microns, about 28 microns, about 29 microns, about 30 microns, about 31 microns, about 32 microns, about 33 microns, about 34 microns, about 35 microns, about 36 microns, about 37 microns, about 38 microns, about 39 microns, about 40 microns, about 41 microns, about 42 microns, about 43 microns, about 44 microns, about 45 microns, about 46 microns, about 47 microns, about 48 microns, about 49 microns, about 50 microns, about 51 microns, about 52 microns, about 53 microns, about 54 microns, about 55 microns, about 56 microns, about 57 microns, about 58 microns, about 59 microns, or about 60 microns.

It shall be appreciated that, due to the aforementioned composition, a deformable conductor shall not only be flexible but also capable of being stretched. Although many materials may be capable of some degree of flexion, the deformable conductors described herein have the aforementioned characteristics. Such characteristics enable the composition of the deformable conductors to be rearranged as the conductor stretches to maintain conductivity, which promotes stretchability while preserving electrical conductivity. In other words, the length of the deformable conductor can be significantly extended and the width of the deformable conductor significantly reduced without breaking electrical conductivity. Thus, beyond limited flexions, the deformable conductors can remain electrically functional when stretched, bent, and/or twisted.

Moreover, because the aforementioned compositions can include micro-particles and/or sub-micron scale particles suspended within an electrically conductive medium, the deformable conductors disclosed herein can be easily wetted to a substrate layer and/or encapsulation layer of the layup. It shall be appreciated that “wettability” can include the ability of the deformable conductor to spread over a surface, in accordance with the contact angle between the deformable conductor and the surface. Surface energy will decrease proportionally relative to the contact angle. It shall be further appreciated that conventional liquid metals, such as gallium alloys, can be difficult to wet and thus, difficult to pattern on substrates and other surfaces. Whereas particulates have been conventionally perceived as impurities, along with the aforementioned viscosities, the deformable conductors disclosed herein can implement the particles within the conductive medium to enhance wettability without compromising conductivity. Accordingly, unlike conventional liquid metals, the deformable conductors disclosed herein can be easily deposited on a surface in intricate patterns. As previously discussed, the particles can be suspended, either coated in eutectic gallium alloy or gallium and encapsulated in gallium oxide or within the eutectic gallium alloy.

5 5 FIGS.A andB 5 FIG.B 5 5 FIGS.A andB 1400 1400 1400 1400 Referring now to, a flexible circuitconfigured for use with the articles disclosed herein is depicted according to at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. For example, according to the non-limiting aspect, a flexible circuitthat comprises traces made from deformable conductors is depicted in a relaxed condition. However, according to the non-limiting aspect of, the flexible circuithas been significantly deformed and is in a stressed condition. Accordingly, electrical parameters generated by the traces of deformable conductors will vary and the traces lengthen, due to the aforementioned nature of the deformable conductor. Thus, the flexible circuitofsynthesizes the concepts described herein and is suitable for implementation via the wearable articles, systems, and methods for characterizing physical motions of a user, as described herein.

5 5 FIGS.C andD 1 FIG. 5 FIG.C 5 FIG.C 1420 1430 1420 1430 100 1420 1430 1420 1420 1402 1403 Referring now to, several electronic components,configured for use with the flexible circuits disclosed herein are depicted in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For example, the electronic components,can be used in conjunction with strain sensor systems similar to the strain sensor systemof. The electronic components,can be either attached to a laminate structure that encapsulates deformable conductors and/or, as in the case of the electronic componentof, can be constructed from deformable conductors themselves. According to some non-limiting aspects, for example, the electronic componentofcan include one or more tracesformed from a deformable conductor deposited on a mediumand can be constructed in accordance with the techniques disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/070853, titled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING CIRCUIT ASSEMBLIES HAVING PATTERNS OF DEFORMABLE CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL FORMED THEREIN, and filed Feb. 25, 2022, and/or International Patent Application No. PCT/US2019/047731 titled STRUCTURES WITH DEFORMABLE CONDUCTORS, filed Aug. 22, 2019, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

1 4 FIGS.- 1402 1403 1402 1403 1403 For example, as previously described in reference to, the deformable conductorcan include a conductive gel that is integrated into a multi-layered medium, such as a laminate structure, enclosed with at least one encapsulation layer that seals the traceor other component of the laminate structure. The laminate structuremay further include: at least one stencil layer, e.g., for when a stencil-in-place manufacturing process is utilized; a conductive layer for, e.g., a relatively high-powered bus, sensor, ground plane, shielding, etc.; an insulation layer, e.g., between a substrate layer, a conductive layer, a stencil layer, and/or an encapsulation layer, that primarily insulates traces or conductive layers from one another; an electronic component not necessarily formed according to the processes disclosed herein, e.g., a surface mount capacitor, resistor, processor, etc.; vias for connectivity between layers; and contact pads.

1403 1403 1403 The collection of layers of the laminate structuremay be referred to as a “stack”. A final or intermediate structure may include at least one stack (or multiple stacks, e.g., using modular construction techniques) that has been unitized. Additionally or alternatively, the structurecould comprise one or more unitized stacks with at least one electronic component. A laminate assemblymay comprise multiple laminate structures, e.g., in a modular construction. The assembly may utilize island architecture including a first laminate structure (the “island”), which may typically but not exclusively be itself a laminate structure populated with electric components, or a laminate structure that is, e.g., a discrete sensor, with the first laminate structure adhered to a second laminate structure including, e.g., traces and vias configured like a traditional printed circuit board (“PCB”), e.g., acting as the pathways for signals, currents or potentials to travel between the island(s) and other auxiliary structures, e.g., sensors.

1400 102 402 1402 1402 1400 1400 5 FIGS.A-D 1 4 FIGS.- Additionally, the flexible circuitofcan further include one or more sensors (e.g., sensors,of) and/or other electronic components (e.g., IMU's, processors, force sensors, inductive coil sensors, temperature sensors, etc.). The electronic components can be electrically coupled using flexible circuits composed of the deformable conductors, as previously disclosed. According to some non-limiting aspects, at least one portion of the deformable conductorscan be configured as a bus portion of the flexible circuitand/or a strain sensor portion of the flexible circuit.

5 FIG.C 5 FIG.C 1 FIG. 1422 1420 1422 1420 1422 1420 1422 1420 1422 1420 114 1422 1422 1420 In reference of, according to other non-limiting aspects, one or more portionsof a flexible circuitcan be configured as a pressure sensor, including any of those described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2021/071374, titled WEARABLE ARTICLE WITH FLEXIBLE INDUCTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR, filed Sep. 3, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/270,589, titled FLEXIBLE THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRONIC COMPONENT, filed Oct. 22, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/272,487, titled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING A FLUID-FILLABLE CIRCUIT, filed Oct. 27, 2021, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, according to the non-limiting aspect of, the one or more portionsof the flexible circuitcan be configured as a coil that can be biased relative to a conductive plane integrated within a wearable article (e.g., mounting the conductive plane on foam or within a bladder filled with compressible fluid, etc.). As a distance between the conductive plane and the coil of the one or more portionsof the flexible circuitchanges, a difference in an electrical parameter (e.g., electromagnetic inductance) can be detected, for example, via a capacitor of a resistor, inductor, capacitor (“RLC”) circuit, as disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2021/071374, titled WEARABLE ARTICLE WITH FLEXIBLE INDUCTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR, filed Sep. 3, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/270,589. Accordingly, as the inductive coil of the one or more portionsof the flexible circuitis depressed and/or extended, an electrical parameter (e.g., an electromagnetic inductance, etc.) generated by that portionof the flexible circuitwill vary and corresponding signals can be transmitted via the circuits to the processor() for characterization of swelling at the location at which the portionis positioned. As such, the one or more portionof the flexible circuitconfigured as an inductive pressure sensor can be configured to monitor swelling in a specific portion of the joint and/or appendage, as previously disclosed.

5 FIG.D 5 FIG.D 1430 1430 According to the non-limiting aspect of, a flexible circuitcan be configured for “spot” monitoring in a particular location of the wearable article. For example, the flexible circuitofcan be configured to function as a temperature sensor and/or a pressure sensor to monitor, for example, blood flow and/or swelling, as previously disclosed.

1402 1403 1400 1420 1430 1400 1402 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 5 FIG.A 5 FIG.B It shall be appreciated that, due to the flexible nature of the deformable conductorsand medium, the flexible circuits,,can be imbued with a tremendous amount of flexibility relative to conventional circuits. For example, according to the non-limiting aspect of, a flexible circuitis at rest and unstrained. As such, when a current is introduced through the traces formed by the deformable conductors, the flexible circuit will generate a plurality of electrical parameters at rest (e.g., an inductance, a resistance, a voltage drop, a capacitance, and/or an electromagnetic field, etc.). However, according to the non-limiting aspect of, the flexible circuitcan essentially be folded in half—and, according to other non-limiting aspects, coiled and/or twisted—without introducing discontinuities between traces and/or electronic components. Of course, as the flexible circuitundergoes such deformations, it will the plurality of electrical parameters generated by the flexible circuitunder varying degrees of stress will differ from those the flexible circuitgenerates at rest. According to some non-limiting aspects, the flexible circuit, including the fluid-phase conductors can experience deformations between 20% and 40% relative to an “at rest” condition, thus varying electrical parameters generated by the circuit.

1300 1200 12 FIG. According to the non-limiting aspects where alternate conductors (e.g., silver ink, etc.) are used to form strain-sensing, flexible circuits, such circuits may experience no hysteresis and thus, may experience measurable changes in electrical characteristics upon returning to a relaxed state after undergoing a number of deformation cycles. This is known as “strain creep,” or a degradation in performance as the number of deformation cycles increases. According to such aspects, the performance of a strain sensing flexible circuitthat utilizes such alternate conductors can be enhanced via various calibration methods, such as the methodof, disclosed herein.

5 5 FIGS.A andB 5 FIG.A 15 FIG.B 6 FIG. 1404 1400 1404 1400 1400 1420 1430 1400 1420 1430 1400 1420 1430 1400 1420 1430 1400 1420 1430 1400 1420 1430 600 According to the non-limiting aspect of, the processorcan receive signals from the various sensors and/or components dispositioned on the flexible circuitand thus, the processorcan discern differences in generated electrical parameters and correlate them to various physical parameters associated with the deformation of the flexible circuit, as disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/078810, titled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING A FLUID-FILLABLE CIRCUIT, and filed Oct. 27, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In summary, an electrical parameter (e.g., an inductance, a resistance, a voltage drop, a capacitance, and an electromagnetic field, etc.) of the circuits,,can be correlated to a structural parameter (e.g., a dimension, a strain, a stress, a pressure, etc.) of the circuits,,. In other words, when the circuit,,is in an initial condition-such as an unstrained condition of—the circuits,,may generate a first electrical parameter, but when placed in a second condition-such as a strained condition of—the circuits may generate a second electrical parameter. Correlation of electrical parameters generated by the flexible circuits,,and a structural parameter of the flexible circuits,,will be described in further detail with reference to the methodof.

5 5 FIGS.E andF 5 5 FIGS.E andF 1440 1440 1440 1440 1440 1440 1440 Referring now to, an electrodeconfigured for use with the flexible circuits and wearable articles disclosed herein is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of, the electrodecan be formed from a flexible sheet such that the electrodehas a domed curvature that produces a spring-like effect which can bias the electrodeagainst the user's skin providing supplemental pressure and improved performance of the electrode. Although shown here with a generally circular shape, it should be appreciated that any shape of electrodecan be provided, assuming the shape facilitates the formation of a skin-contacting surface that can be biased against the skin of a user. Here, the major dimension may be the diameter D of the electrode. However, according to non-limiting aspects wherein the perimeter shape of the electrodeis a square or rectangle, the Length or Width may have been determined to be the major dimension.

1440 1440 5 5 FIGS.E andF 5 5 FIGS.E andF According to other non-limiting aspects, the electrodeofcan include a variety of other geometric configurations, including a flat, sheet of any shape (e.g., circle, rectangular, triangle, etc.), a “pellet” type configuration-similar to the domed electrodeofbut solid instead of hollow- or a “leaf spring” configuration molded or otherwise formed to have a radius of curvature that extends a single dimension of the electrode such that the electrode can be biased against the skin. For example, according to some non-limiting aspects, the electrode can be configured similar to any of those disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2023/062668, titled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING MOTIONS OF A USE VIA WEARABLE ARTICLES WITH FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS, and filed Feb. 15, 2023, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

6 FIG. 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 600 600 602 600 604 600 606 606 600 608 610 612 600 Referring now to, a flow chart illustrating a methodof monitoring posture using a flexible circuit is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of, the methodcan include applyinga voltage to a trace of a flexible circuit in a first state, thereby causing a current to traverse the trace of the flexible circuit. Once a current is flowing through the circuit, the methodcan include detectinga first electrical parameter (e.g., an inductance, a resistance, a voltage drop, a capacitance, and an electromagnetic field, etc.) associated with the current traversing the trace of the flexible circuit in the first state. The methodcan further include causingthe flexible circuit to transition from the first state to a second state. For example, causingthe transition can include the user bending or rotating. The methodcan further include detectinga second electrical parameter associated with the current traversing the trace of the flexible circuit and determininga difference between the first and second electrical parameters associated with the current traversing the trace of the flexible circuit. Finally, the method can include correlatingthe difference between the first and second electrical parameters to a structural parameter (e.g., a strain, a stress, a pressure, a dimension, etc.) associated with the flexible circuit. It shall be appreciated that, by using the varying electrical parameters to characterize the structural parameters of a flexible circuit, the physical characteristics of the wearable article and thus, a posture of the user can be characterized. Since different users will have varying heights, weights, and body shapes, it shall be appreciated that some degree of data normalization will be required to properly monitor and characterize each user's posture. However, the steps illustrated inare not the exclusive steps of the methodcontemplated by the present disclosure. For example, in an embodiment where the flexible circuit incorporates an electrode in contact with a mammalian body, rather than applying a voltage and/or current to the circuit, a similar method may be used to monitor a voltage or current that is applied to the circuit by neuromuscular activity through the electrode's contact with the body.

7 FIG. 7 FIG. 1 4 FIGS.- 7 FIG. 5 FIGS.A-C 7 FIG. 700 100 102 1400 1420 Referring now to, a chartof an electrical parameter generated by a flexible circuit on an article worn by a user as their posture changes in time is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The flexible circuits used to generate the electrical parameter ofcan include a strain sensor systemwith a strain sensor, as described in reference to. Likewise, the flexible circuits used to generate the electrical parameter ofcan be configured similar to the flexible circuits,depicted in. According to the non-limiting aspect of, a flexible circuit can be used to generate a varying electrical parameter, such as a resistance measured across the flexible circuit. However, according to other non-limiting aspects the electrical parameter can include an inductance, a voltage drop, a capacitance, and an electromagnetic field, amongst other electrical parameters that will vary based on the changing geometry of the flexible circuit.

600 702 704 702 706 6 FIG. 7 FIG. As described in reference to the methodof, as a user may alter their posture by bending or rotating, thereby causing the flexible circuit to transition from a first state to a second state. As a result of the transition, the trace—and more specifically, the deformable conductor—may elongate and/or reduce in cross-sectional area, thereby altering one or more electrical parameters generated by the flexible circuit. For example, according to the non-limiting aspect of, at a first point in timeof about 0.6 seconds, the user's posture may be in a neutral position causing one or more flexible circuits to generate an average resistance of approximately 2.24 ohms. However, at a second point in timeof about 1.45 seconds, the user may have bent, or rotated. As a result of this motion, the deformable conductor may have elongated or reduced in cross-sectional area relative to the first point in time, thereby increasing the average resistance generated by one or more flexible circuits to approximately 2.44 ohms. At a third point in timeof about 2.35 seconds, the user may have returned to a neutral posture position, thereby causing the one or more flexible circuits to once again generate an average resistance of approximately 2.24 ohms. As such, the difference between a first and second electrical parameter generated by the flexible circuit in various stats can be correlated to a structural parameter (e.g., a strain, a stress, a pressure, a dimension, etc.) of the flexible circuit and used to monitor and/or characterize the motions or posture of the user.

8 FIG. 1 4 FIGS.- 8 FIG. 5 FIGS.A-C 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 800 802 802 804 802 802 100 102 802 802 800 1400 1420 1430 802 802 804 802 802 804 802 802 800 802 802 804 a b a b a b a b a b a b a b Referring now to, a wearable articlefeaturing flexible circuits,configured to monitor the posture of a useris depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The flexible circuits,can include a strain sensor systemwith a strain sensor, as described in reference to. Likewise, the flexible circuits,of the wearable articleofcan be configured similar to and can include any of the particular features or components as described in reference to the flexible circuit,,of. According to the non-limiting aspect of, the flexible circuits,are positioned relatively high on the wearer'sback, approximately just below the C7 vertebrae. Specifically, the flexible circuits,are configured for biaxial strain sensing. For example, the particular configuration ofcan enable the monitoring of the trapezius, to track the user'sshrugging and/or other neck movements, as desired. However, according to other non-limiting aspects, the flexible circuits,can be positioned elsewhere on the wearable articledepending on user preference or intended application. For example, it may be beneficial to arrange the flexible circuits,in proximity to either the T3, T4, T5, T6, T8, T12, L1, L3, L5, S1, and S2 vertebrae depending on the particular point of the spine the userwants to monitor.

8 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 13 FIG. 9 FIG. 802 802 800 800 802 802 802 804 802 802 804 802 804 1002 1002 1000 1002 1002 802 802 800 802 802 a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b Additionally, it shall be appreciated that, according to the non-limiting aspect of, the arrangement of the flexible circuits,on the wearable articlecan be attenuated for a desired monitoring and characterization. As previously discussed, the wearable articlecan include two or more flexible circuits,. According to some non-limiting aspects, the first flexible circuit, can be oriented at a first angle that is greater than or equal to fifteen degrees and less than or equal to twenty five degrees relative to a vertical axis V defined by a neutral position of the user'sspine and the second flexible circuit, can be oriented at a second angle that is greater than or equal to fifteen degrees and less than or equal to twenty five degrees relative to the vertical axis V defining the opposite direction. For example, according to the non-limiting aspect of, a first flexible circuitcan be oriented at twenty degrees relative to a vertical axis V defined by a neutral position of the user'sspine and the second flexible circuitcan be oriented at negative twenty degrees relative to the vertical axis V. The particular configuration ofcan be implemented to assess the symmetry and/or asymmetry of the spinal column and thus, the user'sposture. However, it shall be appreciated that, according to other non-limiting aspects, any number of flexible circuits can be alternately arranged. For example, according to the non-limiting aspect of, each of the first and second flexible circuitscan be perpendicularly arranged on a wearable article, such that the first flexible circuitis oriented at zero degrees relative to the vertical axis V and the second flexible circuitis oriented at ninety degrees relative to the vertical axis V. as shown. As will be described in further detail with reference to the non-limiting aspect of, data associated with signals generated by the flexible circuits,on the wearable articlecan be actively monitored, stored, processed independently, and/or compared to determine a relative position of the flexible circuits,in time, to generate a characterization of the user's posture.

9 FIG. 9 FIG. 9 FIG. 9 FIG. 900 902 902 902 902 902 902 900 902 902 900 900 902 902 900 900 900 a b a b a b a b a b In further reference to the non-limiting aspect of, the details and construction of a wearable articlefeaturing flexible circuits,configured to monitor the posture of a user are depicted in further detail. Ideally, the flexible circuits,would be adhered directly to the skin. However, it shall be appreciated that such a configuration could be impractical and/or uncomfortable for a user, especially if posture is to be monitored continuously for extended periods of time. Thus, the flexible circuits,can be adhered, laminated, or woven into the wearable articleof, which can be compressive such that the flexible circuits,are pressed firmly against the user's skin. The wearable articlecan be constructed from a durable, lightweight, compressive material, such as a polyester, lycra, spandex and/or any other material suitable for a compressive, base layer. According to the non-limiting aspect of, the wearable articlecan be a mock-neck crew or turtle neck, which could be beneficial for alleviating chaffing that may result when users frequently move their arms. Particularly, a mock or turtle neck can enable the flexible circuits,to be properly positioned at the top of a user's spinal column or at the bottom of their neck. However, it shall be appreciated that, according to other non-limiting aspects, the wearable articlecan be manufactured from any other material and configured as any other type of shirt depending on user preference and/or intended application. In fact, according to other non-limiting aspects, the wearable articlecan be configured as other types of clothing. For example, it might be beneficial to utilize a pant-like article with flexible circuits alone or in conjunction with the wearable articleofto further characterize the user's posture.

9 FIG. 5 FIGS.A-D 904 904 902 902 1402 904 904 908 908 902 902 902 902 906 908 902 902 908 902 902 900 906 a b a b a b a b a b a b a b Still referring to, traces,of the flexible circuits,can be formed from deformable conductors configured similar to the deformable conductorsof. The traces,can terminate at and electrically couple to one or more electronic components(e.g., processor, memory, transceiver, power source, light emitting diodes (“LEDs”), transducers, haptic sensors, connectors, contacts, etc.). The one or more electronic componentscan be individually coupled to the flexible circuits,, incorporated into a single integrated circuit coupled to the flexible circuits,, or packaged within a modular and selectively removable housing. The one or more electronic componentscan be configured to receive, store, process, and/or otherwise react to signals received from the flexible circuits,. According to some non-limiting aspects, the one or more electronic componentsare packaged within a housing they can be selectively coupled to the flexible circuits,. of the wearable articlevia a mechanical cradle mounted on the wearable article. For example, according to some non-limiting aspects, the modular, selectively removable electronic componentconfigured similar to the power components described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/412,867, titled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS TO MONITOR AND CHARACTERIZE THE MOTIONS OF A USER VIA FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS, and filed on Oct. 3, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

908 900 908 908 908 9 FIG. According to some non-limiting aspects, the one or more electronic componentsof the wearable articleofcan be configured for onboard signal processing and/or transmission. For example, according to some non-limiting aspects, the one or more electronic componentscan include a microprocessor (e.g., a Nordic-brand nRF MDK-based processor or equivalent, etc.), a memory, a wireless communication circuit, and/or a bus port (configured to receive power and/or data from a power component of the electronic component), an additional IMU, and/or additional sensors, amongst other electronic components. According to some non-limiting aspects, an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”), for example, can be positioned on one or more electronic components.

908 908 908 908 908 900 908 902 902 908 902 902 908 900 908 902 902 a b a b a b According to other non-limiting aspects, the one or more electronic componentscan include a power source, such as a battery and/or a charger. The charger, for example, can include a universal serial bus (“USB”) port configured to convey electrical power and/or data to the one or more electronic componentsfrom an external source. For example, the one or more electronic componentscan be configured for such conveyance via a USB-A, USB-B, or USB-C protocol, although other means for power and/or data conveyance are contemplated by the present disclosure. According to other non-limiting aspects, the one or more electronic componentscan include a wireless charging circuit and/or a wireless transmitter and/or receiver configured to wireless obtain power and data from external sources. Regardless, it shall be appreciated that the one or more electronic components, when mechanically and electrically coupled to the wearable article, can provide electrical power to the one or more electronic componentsand/or flexible circuits,. Additionally, via the one or more electronic components, it shall be appreciated that data can be transmitted to and from the flexible circuits,. For example, according to some non-limiting aspects, the one or more electronic componentscan be used to transmit a firmware update to a memory of the wearable article, for execution by a microprocessor. Alternately, the one or more electronic componentscan include a memory configured to store data generated by the flexible circuits,for subsequent use and processing.

900 906 900 908 902 902 900 2808 2808 2800 2808 2800 908 906 902 902 600 908 902 902 908 902 902 a b a b a b a b 9 FIG. 6 FIG. As previously discussed, the wearable articlecan include a mechanical component, such as a cradle, configured to removably secure the housingcontaining one or more electronic components to the wearable article. Accordingly, the cradle can establish electrical communication between the one or more electronic componentsand the flexible circuits,, of the wearable articleof. According to still other non-limiting aspects, the electronic componentcan include a memory and/or transceiver. Thus, when the electronic componentis mechanically secured to the wearable articlevia the cradle, the electronic componentcan provide power and/or data to the other electronics of the glove. Specifically, the electronic componentor housingcan include a microprocessor configured to process signals received from the flexible circuits,and perform one or more steps of the methodof. However, according to other non-limiting aspects the electronic componentcan include a transmitter configured to transmit signals received from the flexible circuits,to a remote processor and/or a display. According to still other non-limiting aspects, the electronic componentcan include a memory configured to store signals received from the flexible circuits,.

908 900 902 902 900 910 900 908 9 FIG. 9 FIG. a b Accord to other non-limiting aspects, the electronic componentof the wearable articleofcan include a feedback component, such as an LED, a transducer, and/or a haptic feedback. If a processor determines that the user's posture has deviated from a baseline based on the signals received from the flexible circuits,, the feedback component can provide the user with feedback prompting the user to correct their posture. For example, one or more LEDs may be illuminated, wherein the quantity of LEDs are indicative of a degree of deviation from the baseline. Likewise, a haptic sensor can vibrate, providing the user with tactile feedback. Alternately, a transducer can emit an audible sound notifying the user that their posture has deviated from the baseline. Accordingly, the present disclosure contemplates numerous means providing the user with information regarding their current posture relative to a baseline posture. This can further include visual feedback provided by a user interface presented by either an onboard or remote display. According to the non-limiting aspect of, the wearable articlecan further include a pocketor alternate means of storing an auxiliary device that may be in physical, electrical or wireless communication with the wearable, e.g.: a battery or batteries; a smartphone or other computing device; a transmitter. In some embodiments, a cable or wires may connect the auxiliary device to at least one of the electrical components. As previously discussed, different users will have varying heights, weights, ages, capabilities, and body shapes. Therefore, it shall be appreciated that some degree of data normalization will be required to properly monitor and characterize each user's posture, especially when evaluating the user's posture against a predetermined baseline. For example, it shall be appreciated that evaluating the magnitude of a calculated delta against a predetermined baseline can provide an accurate assessment of the user's posture in consideration of their differing physical traits.

10 12 FIGS.- 10 FIG. 2000 2100 2200 2000 2002 2002 2000 2002 2002 a b a b Referring now to, several wearable articles,,featuring flexible circuits configured to monitor the posture of a user are depicted in accordance with several non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure. For example, according to the non-limiting aspect of, the wearable articlecan be configured as a fully contained system, comprising a first flexible circuitand a second flexible circuit, which are respectively oriented at a first angle α and a second angle β from the vertical axis V defined by the wearable article. Although the first angle α can be equal to the second angle β, according to other non-limiting aspects, the first angle α can be different from the second angle β. Each of the first angle α and the second angle β can be specifically configured to ensure each of the flexible circuits,monitor a different facet of the user's posture.

2000 2002 2002 2006 2006 2000 10 FIG. a b The wearable articleofcan include one or more electronic components (e.g., a processor, a memory, a transceiver, an inertial measurement units, a display, a power source, LEDs, a radio transceiver, and analog to digital converter, transducers, haptic sensors, connectors, contacts, etc.) coupled to the flexible circuits,and packaged within a housing. According to some non-limiting aspects, the housingcan be modular and selectively removable from a mechanical cradle mounted to the wearable article.

10 FIG. 2002 2002 2002 2002 2000 2002 2002 2006 2000 2002 2002 2002 2002 2010 2010 2010 2010 2002 2002 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2000 a b a b a b a b a b b a c e a b e a c d e Furthermore, as depicted in, a portion of the flexible circuits,can be configured to function as an “active region” of the flexible circuits,, as these portions are positioned on a portion of the wearable articlethat is being targeted for monitoring. Conversely, the shaded portion of the flexible circuits,, including the portion on which the housingis mounted, can be “locked out.” As such, the locked out portions can include a substrate layer that is reinforced, for example, by one or more additional layers of the wearable article, such that motion in the locked out portions is restricted, reduced, and/or eliminated, as desired. For example, one such configuration of a locked out portion of the flexible circuits,is depicted in Detail A. As previously discussed, a layup forming the flexible circuits,can include one or more layers surrounding a deformable conductor, including an encapsulation layer, an optional stencil layer, and/or a substrate layer. However, the locked out portions of the flexible circuits,can include a reinforcement layerthat is configured to stretch less relative to the rest of the layers,,. For example, the reinforcement layercan include any compatible, substantially non-stretchable material, such as marquisette fabric made from, e.g., cotton, nylon, polyester, rayon, or blends thereof. Accordingly, it shall be appreciated that this configuration can ensure that only a desired portion of the wearable articleand thus, the user's posture is being monitored.

2002 2002 2002 2002 2000 220 220 2002 2002 a b a b a b In some examples any or all portions of the flexible circuits,which are not intended to directly measure a posture indicative parameter may be locked out from stretching, as described above. For example, it may be advantageous to lock out portions containing traces intended as signal or power busses. Lock-out structures permit the circuits,to remain flexible, i.e., bendable and/or drape-able, but effectively limit stretching in the locked-out regions. This may provide additional benefits, such as amplifying the physical deformation of nonlocked-out regions in response to movements or poses assumed by the user of the wearable article. When nonlocked-out regions are instrumented with a sensor, e.g., strain sensing tracesX,Y, this may in turn amplify posture indicative parameter signal(s), e.g., resistance changes, produced by the sensors, which may be beneficial for, or more readily enable, detecting and/or computing and/or monitoring the user's posture via electronic components coupled to the flexible circuits,.

11 FIG. 11 FIG. 10 FIG. 11 FIG. 10 FIG. 2100 2100 2102 2102 2100 2102 2102 2100 2102 2102 2106 2000 2106 2100 2102 2102 2102 2102 a b a b a b a b a b Referring now to, another wearable articlefeaturing flexible circuits configured to monitor the posture of a user are depicted in accordance with a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of, the wearable articlecan include a first flexible circuitand a second flexible circuit, respectively oriented at a first angle α and a second angle β from the vertical axis V defined by the wearable article. Once again, each of the first angle α and the second angle β can be specifically configured to ensure each of the flexible circuits,monitor a different facet of the user's posture. The wearable articlecan include one or more electronic components (e.g., a processor, a memory, a transceiver, an inertial measurement units, a display, a power source, LEDs, a radio transceiver, and analog to digital converter, transducers, haptic sensors, connectors, contacts, etc.) coupled to the flexible circuits,and packaged within a housing. Similar to the wearable articleof, according to some non-limiting aspects, the housingcan be modular and selectively removable from a mechanical cradle mounted to the wearable articleof. Additionally, the shaded portions of the circuits,are once again “locked out,” or partially restricted and reinforced, as discussed in reference to Detail A of, while non-shaded portions of the circuits,are active regions.

12 FIG. 12 FIG. 1 FIG. 10 11 FIGS.and 12 FIG. 10 FIG. 2200 2202 2200 2202 102 2200 2202 2206 2000 2100 2206 2200 2202 2202 Referring now to, another wearable articlefeaturing a flexible circuitconfigured to monitor the posture of a user are depicted in accordance with a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of, the wearable articlecan include a flexible circuitconfigured similar to the two-dimensional strain sensorof. The wearable articlecan include one or more electronic components (e.g., a processor, a memory, a transceiver, an inertial measurement units, a display, a power source, LEDs, a radio transceiver, and analog to digital converter, transducers, haptic sensors, connectors, contacts, etc.) coupled to the flexible circuitand packaged within a housing. Similar to the wearable articles,of, according to some non-limiting aspects, the housingcan be modular and selectively removable from a mechanical cradle mounted to the wearable articleof. Additionally, the shaded portion of the circuitshows one example configuration of a “locked out” region for this flexible circuit configuration. The locked out portion may be at least partially restricted and reinforced, as discussed in reference to Detail A of. The non-shaded portion of the circuitcan remain an active region.

13 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 9 FIG. 9 10 FIGS., 1000 1002 1002 1002 1002 1002 1002 1002 1002 1002 1002 1002 1002 1002 902 902 902 902 1002 1002 902 902 1002 1002 a b a b a a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b Referring now to, another wearable articlefeaturing flexible circuits,configured to monitor the posture of a user is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of, a first flexible circuitcan be substantially aligned with—if not, parallel to, or oriented at a 0 degree angle to—the vertical axis V, which, in some examples may be configured to run generally along the spine of a wearer for the use case of a shirt for monitoring the posture of the wearer. A second flexible circuitcan be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first flexible circuit, or at a 90 degree angle relative to the axis V, such that the first and second flexible circuits,are arranged in a cross-like configuration. Although the configuration of the flexible circuits,ofmay not monitor the posture of the upper back and neck and may be less suitable for monitoring forward motions, the flexible circuits,ofmay be implemented to monitor the posture of the lower back, abdomen, and/or arms. Alternatively, whereas each circuit,are shown as being configured as one large strain sensor, each circuit may comprise more than one strain or other sensor type along its length, and which couple to at least one electrical component. The electrical component may be any of the types mentioned above with reference toand the circuits,. Further, the offset of the circuits,,,relative to the axes V may range anywhere from 0 to 180 degrees. Further still, while in each of the embodiments ofcircuits,,,are shown as discrete elements, the various circuits may be adapted to be in physical, structural, and/or electrical communication with one another, and may share and each be in communication with a common electrical component. Accordingly, it shall be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates numerous aspects in which wearable articles and flexible circuits are alternately configured to monitor a variety of different motions, body parts, and/or postures throughout a user's body.

1002 1002 1000 1004 1004 1002 1002 1006 1006 2000 1006 1006 1000 1002 1002 1006 1006 1002 1002 600 1000 1000 1002 1002 600 a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b 13 FIG. 13 FIG. 10 FIG. 13 FIG. 6 FIG. 6 FIG. As previously discussed, the flexible circuits,of the wearable articleof(or any of the wearable articles disclosed herein) can include traces,made from deformable conductors and communicably coupled to one or more electronic components (e.g., processor, transceiver, power source, memory, feedback components, etc.). According to the non-limiting aspect of, the flexible circuits,can be coupled to one or more electronic components (e.g., a processor, a memory, a transceiver, an inertial measurement units, a display, a power source, LEDs, a radio transceiver, and analog to digital converter, transducers, haptic sensors, connectors, contacts, etc.) packaged within one or more housings,. Similar to the wearable articleof, according to some non-limiting aspects, one or more housings,can be modular and selectively removable from a mechanical cradle mounted to the wearable articleof. For example, according to some non-limiting aspects, the flexible circuits,can transmit signals via one or more processors in the one or more housings,to a remote processor and/or display, which can process and present a computer-generated simulation of the user's posture based on signals generated by the flexible circuits,. For example, this can be done in accordance with the methodof. Moreover, it shall be appreciated that the fit of the wearable articleon the user is important. However, different users will require the wearable articleto be different sizes, depending on the weight, age, height, and/or body shape. Thus, the signals generated by the flexible circuits,can be processed in accordance with the methodofand differences in magnitudes of generated electrical parameters can be utilized to accurately assess the user's posture against a predetermined baseline.

14 FIG. 14 FIG. 1200 1200 1202 1200 1204 1206 1200 1208 1210 Referring now to, a methodof calibrating data generated by the flexible circuits of a wearable article is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect of, the methodcan include initiatinga calibration sequence via a user interface of an application executed or otherwise accessed by a processor or other computing device. The methodcan then include instructinga user wearing the wearable device to perform a first predefined motion or assume a first predefined pose and receivingsignals associated with electrical parameters generated by flexible sensing circuits positioned on wearable article while user is performing predefined motion or pose. The methodcan further include determininga physical condition of each flexible circuit on the wearable article based on the received signals and generatinga baseline for the first predefined motion or pose based on the determined physical condition. An instructed predefined pose may include the use of an object external to the user, e.g, standing erect against a wall or lying flat on a floor.

1200 1210 1200 800 900 1000 1200 14 FIG. 14 FIG. 14 FIG. 14 FIG. It should be further appreciated that the methodofcan further include generatingthe baseline based on any secondary inputs, including those generated via artificial intelligence based on an aggregate pool of previously-generated data, such as a data lake. For example, the processor executing the calibration sequence ofcan be communicably coupled to one or more servers configured to store such aggregated pools of data. Accordingly, an artificial intelligence algorithm can be implemented to utilize the signals generated by each flexible circuit on the wearable article to supplement and/or further inform conclusions drawn by the artificial intelligence algorithm. Likewise, the artificial intelligence algorithm can provide inputs to the generation of the baseline based on previously calculated averages for a particular user's age, body part, condition, etc. In other words, the baselines generated via the calibration methodofcan be ever evolving and thus, become more accurate as the data lake becomes larger. According to some non-limiting aspects, the wearable articles,,disclosed herein can further include an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) configured to measure three-dimensional rotational motions of the user. As such, the methodof calibration depicted incan further include a consideration of data generated by the IMU, as disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/412,867, titled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS TO MONITOR AND CHARACTERIZE THE MOTIONS OF A USER VIA FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS, filed Oct. 3, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, according to some non-limiting aspects, if a user is reaching with their hands but maintaining a neutral posture, the flexible circuits disclosed herein might register that motion as a change in the user's posture. As such, calibrating the wearable article with IMU inputs could account for and properly contextualize such motions so they do not falsely detect a change in the user's posture based on IMU data that indicates the user has a neutral posture.

15 FIGS.A-F 15 FIG.A 15 FIG.B 15 FIG.A 15 FIG.C 15 FIG.A 15 FIG.D 15 15 FIGS.E andF Referring now to, several user interfaces displaying a generated baseline posture as well as a user's posture, as generated by a wearable article featuring flexible circuits, are depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect. For example, the user interface ofdepicts a baseline posture. However, according to the user interface of, the flexible circuits of the wearable article have detected that the user has a Kyphosis-type posture relative to the baseline of, meaning the user has an exaggerated, forward rounding of the upper back. Likewise, according to the user interface of, the flexible circuits of the wearable article have detected that the user has a Lordosis-type posture relative to the baseline of, meaning the user has an exaggerated inward curve of the spine that typically affects the lower back. Similarly, the user interface ofdepicts a baseline posture for the user while sitting andindicate that the flexible circuits of the wearable article have detected that the user is exhibiting a Kyphosis-type and Lordosis-type posture, respectively.

Since the inventive principles of this patent disclosure can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the inventive concepts, such changes and modifications are considered to fall within the scope of the following claims. The use of terms such as first and second are for purposes of differentiating different components and do not necessarily imply the presence of more than one component.

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1: A system configured to monitor a posture of a user, the system including a wearable article including a first flexible circuit, wherein the first flexible circuit includes a first trace including a deformable conductor; and a computing device communicably coupled to the wearable article, wherein the computing device includes a processor and a memory configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a first signal from the first flexible circuit, wherein the first signal is corresponds to a physical deformation of the first trace; determine a first electrical parameter based on the first signal; determine the posture of the user based on the determined electrical parameter; compare the determined posture of the user to a baseline for the user's posture; and cause a display communicably coupled to the computing device to present a visual representation of the comparison.

Clause 2. The system according to clause 1, wherein, when executed by the processor, the instructions further cause the processor to transmit a signal configured to provide feedback to the user based on the comparison of the determined posture of the user to the baseline for the user's posture.

Clause 3. The system according to either of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the wearable article further includes a feedback component configured to provide the user with the feedback in response to the transmitted signal.

Clause 4. The system according to any of clauses 1-3, wherein the feedback component includes at least one of a light emitting diode, a haptic sensor, or a transducer, or combinations thereof.

Clause 5. The system according to any of clauses 1-4, wherein the baseline for the user's posture is calculated via an artificial intelligence algorithm based, at least in part, on a data lake including an aggregate of previously-generated data.

Clause 6. The system according to any of clauses 1-5, wherein, when executed by the processor, the instructions further cause the processor to update the baseline for the user's posture based on the received first signal.

Clause 7. The system according to any of clauses 1-6, wherein the wearable article further includes a second flexible circuit, wherein the second flexible circuit includes a second trace including a deformable conductor, and wherein, when executed by the processor, the instructions further cause the processor to receive a second signal from the second flexible circuit, wherein the second signal is corresponds to a physical deformation of the second trace, determine a second electrical parameter based on the second signal, and determine the posture of the user based on the determined second electrical parameter.

Clause 8. The system according to any of clauses 1-7, wherein the first flexible circuit is arranged at a twenty degree angle relative to a vertical axis defined by the wearable article, and wherein the second flexible circuit is arranged at a twenty degree angle relative to the vertical axis defined by the wearable article.

Clause 9. The system according to any of clauses 1-8, wherein the first flexible circuit is arranged at a twenty degree angle relative to a vertical axis defined by the wearable article, and wherein the second flexible circuit is arranged at a zero degree angle relative to the vertical axis defined by the wearable article.

Clause 10. The system according to any of clauses 1-9, wherein the first flexible circuit is arranged at a twenty degree angle relative to a vertical axis defined by the wearable article, and wherein the second flexible circuit is arranged perpendicular relative to the first flexible circuit.

Clause 11. A wearable article configured to monitor a posture of a user, the wearable article including a first flexible circuit, wherein the first flexible circuit includes a first trace including a deformable conductor, and wherein the wearable article is configured to be communicably coupled to a computing device, wherein the computing device includes a processor and a memory configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a first signal from the first flexible circuit, wherein the first signal is corresponds to a physical deformation of the first trace, determine a first electrical parameter based on the first signal, determine the posture of the user based on the determined electrical parameter, compare the determined posture of the user to a baseline for the user's posture, and cause a display communicably coupled to the computing device to present a visual representation of the comparison.

Clause 12. The wearable article according to clause 11, further including a second flexible circuit, wherein the second flexible circuit includes a second trace including a deformable conductor, and wherein, when executed by the processor, the instructions further cause the processor to receive a second signal from the second flexible circuit, wherein the second signal is corresponds to a physical deformation of the second trace, determine a second electrical parameter based on the second signal, and determine the posture of the user based on the determined second electrical parameter.

Clause 13. The wearable article according to either of clauses 11 or 12, wherein the first flexible circuit is arranged at a twenty degree angle relative to a vertical axis defined by the wearable article, and wherein the second flexible circuit is arranged at a twenty degree angle relative to the vertical axis defined by the wearable article.

Clause 14. The wearable article according to any of clauses 11-13, wherein the first flexible circuit is arranged at a twenty degree angle relative to a vertical axis defined by the wearable article, and wherein the second flexible circuit is arranged at a zero degree angle relative to the vertical axis defined by the wearable article.

Clause 15. The wearable article according to any of clauses 11-14, wherein the first flexible circuit is arranged at a twenty degree angle relative to a vertical axis defined by the wearable article, and wherein the second flexible circuit is arranged perpendicular relative to the first flexible circuit.

Clause 16. A computer-implemented method of monitoring a posture of a user via a wearable article including a first flexible circuit, wherein the first flexible circuit includes a first trace including a deformable conductor, the method including receiving, via a processor, a first signal from the first flexible circuit, wherein the first signal is corresponds to a physical deformation of the first trace, determining, via the processor, a first electrical parameter based on the first signal, determining, via the processor, a posture of the user based on the determined electrical parameter, comparing, via the processor, the determined posture of the user to a baseline for the user's posture, and causing, via the processor, a display communicably coupled to the processor to present a visual representation of the comparison.

Clause 17. The computer-implemented method according to clause 16, further including transmitting, via the processor, a signal configured to provide feedback to the user based on the comparison of the determined posture of the user to the baseline for the user's posture.

Clause 18. The computer-implemented method according to either of clauses 16 or 17, further including calculating, via an artificial intelligence algorithm, the baseline for the user's posture based, at least in part, on a data lake including an aggregate of previously-generated data.

Clause 19. The computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 16-18, further including updating, via the processor, the baseline for the user's posture based on the received first signal.

Clause 20. The computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 16-19, wherein the wearable article further includes a second flexible circuit, wherein the second flexible circuit includes a second trace including a deformable conductor, and wherein the method further includes receiving, via the processor, a second signal from the second flexible circuit, wherein the second signal is corresponds to a physical deformation of the second trace determining, via the processor, a second electrical parameter based on the second signal, and determining, via the processor, the posture of the user based on the determined second electrical parameter.

Clause 21: The devices disclosed herein.

Clause 22: The systems disclosed herein.

Clause 23: The methods disclosed herein.

All patents, patent applications, publications, or other disclosure material mentioned herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual reference was expressly incorporated by reference respectively. All references, and any material, or portion thereof, that are said to be incorporated by reference herein are incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference and the disclosure expressly set forth in the present application controls.

The present invention has been described with reference to various exemplary and illustrative aspects. The aspects described herein are understood as providing illustrative features of varying detail of various aspects of the disclosed invention; and therefore, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that, to the extent possible, one or more features, elements, components, constituents, ingredients, structures, modules, and/or aspects of the disclosed aspects may be combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged with or relative to one or more other features, elements, components, constituents, ingredients, structures, modules, and/or aspects of the disclosed aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. Accordingly, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications or combinations of any of the exemplary aspects may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, persons skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the various aspects of the invention described herein upon review of this specification. Thus, the invention is not limited by the description of the various aspects, but rather by the claims.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although claim recitations are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are described, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “an exemplification,” “one exemplification,” and the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in an exemplification,” and “in one exemplification” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, lower, upper, front, back, and variations thereof, shall relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the accompanying drawing and are not limiting upon the claims unless otherwise expressly stated.

The terms “about” or “approximately” as used in the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, means an acceptable error for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined. In certain aspects, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations. In certain aspects, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 50%, 200%, 105%, 100%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.05% of a given value or range.

In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters are to be understood as being prefaced and modified in all instances by the term “about,” in which the numerical parameters possess the inherent variability characteristic of the underlying measurement techniques used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Any numerical range recited herein includes all sub-ranges subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of “1 to 100” includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 100, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 100. Also, all ranges recited herein are inclusive of the end points of the recited ranges. For example, a range of “1 to 100” includes the end points 1 and 100. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited. All such ranges are inherently described in this specification.

Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referred to in this specification and/or listed in any Application Data Sheet is incorporated by reference herein, to the extent that the incorporated materials is not inconsistent herewith. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

Instructions used to program logic to perform various disclosed aspects can be stored within a memory in the system, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage. Furthermore, the instructions can be distributed via a network or by way of other computer readable media. Thus a machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc, read-only memory (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROMs), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or a tangible, machine-readable storage used in the transmission of information over the Internet via electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Accordingly, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes any type of tangible machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

As used in any aspect herein, any reference to a processor or microprocessor can be substituted for any “control circuit,” which may refer to, for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a computer processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores, processing unit, processor, microcontroller, microcontroller unit, controller, digital signal processor (DSP), programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), or field programmable gate array (FPGA)), state machine circuitry, firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry, and any combination thereof. The control circuit may, collectively or individually, be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on-chip (SoC), desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, servers, smart phones, etc. Accordingly, as used herein “control circuit” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

As used in any aspect herein, the term “logic” may refer to an app, software, firmware and/or circuitry configured to perform any of the aforementioned operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets and/or data recorded on non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions or instruction sets and/or data that are hard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices.

As used in any aspect herein, the terms “component,” “system,” “module” and the like can refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the foregoing disclosure, it is appreciated that, throughout the foregoing disclosure, discussions using terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “displaying,” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

One or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that “configured to” can generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.